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Less than a month after meeting with George W. Bush in Africa, President Obama welcomes former president George H.W. Bush to the White House on Monday to honor one of the latter's major projects.

The Points of Light volunteer project begun by the elder Bush marks its 5,000th Daily Point of Light Award on Monday.

In a statement, the White House called Points of Light "the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service" and said it "mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world and recognizes individuals who are making a difference through service and volunteerism."

Former first lady Barbara Bush will attend next week's White House event, family spokesman Jim McGrath said. So will son Neil Bush, who is chairman of the Points of Light, and Michelle Nunn, the organization's CEO.

The name of the organization stems from Bush's acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention:

"For we are a nation of communities, of thousands and tens of thousands of ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique.

"This is America: the Knights of Columbus, the Grange, Hadassah, the Disabled American Veterans, the Order of Ahepa, the Business and Professional Women of America, the union hall, the Bible study group, LULAC, 'Holy Name' — a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky."